Monday, October 26, 2009

Pumpkin Spice Latte

There it is. Isn’t it gorgeous? Sigh. Oh, how I love thee Pumpkin Spice Latte. Warm and yummy. Definitely pumpkin-y, But not too pumpkin-ish. Cinnamon. Whipped cream. What’s not to love? Even my kids do (and they despise coffee).

One teensy problem- I only go to Starbucks when I happen to have a gift card to “spend.” Which is seldom in the fall. And that happens to be the only time Starbucks offers the delicacy known as pumpkin spice latte.

It soon became apparent that the only way some pumpkin spice would cross my palate would be if I made it myself. After searching for a recipe that closely resembles it and combining several, this is what I came up with.

Directions:In a saucepan stir together milk, pumpkin and sugar. Cook and stir over medium heat until steaming. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and pumpkin pie spice, transfer to a blender and process for 15 seconds or until foamy. I don’t usually bother with the blender and just whip the mixture really well with a wire whisk.

Pour into a large mug or two mugs if you decide to share. Add the coffee or espresso on top.

Optional: (But don’t even think about skipping this step. I mean it). Top with whipped cream and sprinkle pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, or cinnamon on top.

Yummy!I am sharing this recipe with all of my friends. This is my favorite time of year. Pumpkin is my divine. It makes you feel better in every way. I featured you at: http://southernbelleshoppes.ning.com/group/october-harvest-timeStop by and say hello...Jackie

Made this this morning and it was great! I used soymilk though because that's what we have around here and I really want to try it again with regular milk because I think I'd like it better (soymilk doesn't froth like regular milk!). Thanks for posting! Yum!

I just whipped one of these up and it is SO good!! I love the flavors of fall, and this really hit the spot. Shhh, don't tell, but I didn't have any whip cream... I know, you're not supposed to leave it out, but I simply couldn't get away to the store I bet it'll be even better when I make it next time. :-)

Ok I just threw this all in my vita-mix, threw in a bunch of ice, and voila. Incredible pumpkin spice frappe! Ummm whoa it's so good! I used sugar substitute and sorry, didn't really measure the ice. At the end my blender was full so I have extra in the freezer now, for tomorrow. Score!

I love the flavors in the PSL but I'm not a fan of the "silt" left at the bottom of my mug. I've started straining the milk mixture through a coffee filter and that helps. The flavor is still there but the pumpkin debris that grits up my teeth at the end of the drink is gone.